Emily Post’s etiquette newsletter advises guests to make an open-ended offer to the host, such as ‘Aunt Sara, what would be helpful to bring this year?’, and to follow the host’s lead; it adds that if you have dietary restrictions, you can offer to bring a dish that meets them. The piece is undated, and it does not cover host gifts or serving dishes.
This guide to what to bring to Thanksgiving dinner builds on that etiquette and on food safety rules from IFAS (24 November 2025) and UGA (2009). The dish ideas are our own suggestions. Thanksgiving is on Thursday, 26 November 2026, and UGA advises asking guests to bring dishes about two weeks ahead, so now is the time to ask.
Ask First
Emily Post suggests the open-ended offer, then following the host’s lead. UGA advises asking guests to bring dishes about two weeks ahead, and choosing a menu with some room-temperature dishes. Our script: ‘What would be most helpful, a side, a dessert or drinks?’
| Question to ask | Why (our guidance) |
|---|---|
| What would help most? | Avoids duplicates |
| Is there an oven or fridge space? | Plan how to cook and keep it |
| Any allergies or diets? | Keep guests safe |
| Serve at what time? | Match hot dishes to dinner |
Dishes That Travel Well (Our Suggestions)
These ideas are ours. Choose dishes that survive a trip and do not need oven space on arrival.
| Dish | Why it travels well |
|---|---|
| Cranberry sauce | Served cold |
| Dinner rolls | Easy to carry |
| Roasted vegetables in a foil pan | Can be reheated |
| A salad with dressing packed separately | Stays crisp |
| Cheese board or relish tray | No cooking needed |
| Pies or cookies | Easy to carry; see food safety below |
For baked goods, try our holiday cookie recipes.
Dishes for Dietary Needs
Emily Post says that if you have dietary restrictions, you can offer to bring a dish that meets them, and hosts should accept. Our suggestion: label your dish with its main ingredients so other guests can choose with confidence.
| Need | Dish idea (ours) |
|---|---|
| Vegetarian | Mushroom stuffing or roasted squash |
| Dairy-free | Olive oil mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables |
| Gluten-free | Rice pilaf or roasted potatoes |
Transport and Safety
IFAS says food should not stay at room temperature for more than two hours, and stuffing should be reheated to 165 F. Our advice: use insulated carriers or a cooler, keep cold dishes cold, and ask the host to reheat hot dishes rather than leaving them on the counter. Chafing dishes help keep food hot during serving, per IFAS.
| Food | Safety point |
|---|---|
| Hot dishes | Keep hot; reheat stuffing to 165 F (IFAS) |
| Cold dishes | Keep refrigerated until serving |
| Pumpkin pie | Not more than two hours at room temperature (IFAS) |
| Pecan pie | Lower risk, per IFAS |
Etiquette and Host Thanks
Emily Post advises arriving on time and RSVPing promptly. A small thank-you to the host, such as a note or a message the next day, is our own suggestion. See our guide to healthy comfort food for lighter dishes.
